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Daughter of the River Country

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Daughter of the River Country

By: Dianne O'Brien, Sue Williams
Narrated by: Lisa Maza
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About this listen

From stolen childhood to remarkable leader. An inspirational true story of one of Australia's stolen aboriginal generation.

Born in country NSW in the 1940s, baby Dianne is immediately taken from her Indigenous parents and adopted by an Irish couple. Raised in the era of the 'White Australia' policy and widespread racism, Dianne grows up believing her adoptive mother, Val, is her birth mother. Val promises Dianne that when she turns 15, she will 'tell her a story'. But just months before Dianne's 15th birthday, Val dies.

Abandoned by her stepfather, Dianne is raped, sentenced to a girls' home and later forced to marry her rapist. She gives birth to a baby girl - the first of seven children - and goes on to endure years of horrific domestic violence at the hands of different partners, drug and alcohol addiction, and cruel betrayal by those closest to her. But miraculously her fighting spirit is not extinguished.

At the age of 29, Dianne learns she is Aboriginal and that her grandfather was William Cooper, a famous Aboriginal activist and community leader. She chooses to forgive the past and becomes a leader in her own right, dedicating her future to helping others who may not know they are Aboriginal, other 'missing people' just like her.

Daughter of the River Country is one woman's remarkable true story of abuse, survival and, ultimately, hope.

©2021 Dianne O'Brien (P)2021 Bonnier Books UK
Cultural & Regional Indigenous Creators Mental Health Awareness Inspiring

Critic Reviews

"A compelling memoir about the power of love and staying the course." (Linda Burney, Australian MP)

All stars
Most relevant
Such an inspiring story, Dianne overcame so much in her life and went on to become the incredible, well respected and humble Aunty she is today.

Truly inspiring

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I have not finished this book yet but I only purchased it yesterday and have listened to the first 4 chapters. It is a wonderful story, vividly told and I cant wait to listen again tonight. Just wanted to post a review in the interim as this is an important story for all Australians and those anywhere inteterested in the journey of First people and women everywhere.

Fantastic story of Resilience and Hope

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Wow! What an amazingly strong woman!
Such a hard, hard life and no matter what, she never gave up. So inspirational. I'm crying.
And beautifully narrated. Thank you for sharing your story

Resilience

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what a remarkable woman. I'm so glad I picked this book. so much strength and love to share despite what a life she had. Aunty Di, you're a beautiful lady xx

incredible story!!

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It helps to comprehend the hardships Aboriginal people have gone through and what Stolen Generation means for the victims.

important biography

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.